Roméo LeBlanc's state funeral set for July

A state funeral is being organized for former governor general Roméo LeBlanc in his hometown of Memramcook, N.B.

The funeral is expected to be held on July 3 in the tiny farming community in southeastern New Brunswick where LeBlanc was born in 1927 and worked as a teacher and journalist before becoming a federal politician.

LeBlanc died on Wednesday at the age of 81. He had Alzheimer's disease and suffered a stroke in the months before his death.

LeBlanc was Canada's first Acadian to be appointed governor general, serving from 1995 to 1999.

Gov. Gen. Michaëlle Jean issued a press release on Wednesday advising that books of condolences have been made available at Rideau Hall in Ottawa, the Citadelle in Quebec City and online.

In New Brunswick, the lieutenant-governor has placed a book of condolences for the public to sign in Government House in Fredericton.

LeBlanc was a longtime Liberal MP, cabinet minister and then senator before being named Canada's 25th governor general.

'Roméo LeBlanc was a great Canadian — enormously devoted to his country — and served his country with great distinction in every position in which he served, obviously up to and including the highest office of the land, the office of the Governor General.' —Prime Minister Stephen Harper

Before entering politics in 1967 as the press secretary to Prime Minister Lester B. Pearson, LeBlanc was a foreign correspondent with Radio-Canada.

"Roméo LeBlanc was a great Canadian — enormously devoted to his country — and served his country with great distinction in every position in which he served, obviously up to and including the highest office of the land, the office of the Governor General," Prime Minster Stephen Harper said Thursday at a press conference in Halifax.

"It's a great loss for our country. He will be greatly missed by many," Harper said.

Among LeBlanc's first decisions as governor general was to reopen the grounds and the residence at Rideau Hall to the public. An estimated 125,000 people now visit the home of the governor general each year.

LeBlanc created the Governor General's Caring Canadian Award to recognize the dedication of ordinary people who have made extraordinary contributions. He also proclaimed June 21 National Aboriginal Day.

LeBlanc is survived by his wife, Diana Fowler LeBlanc, and their four children.

His son, Liberal MP Dominic LeBlanc, now holds the Beauséjour riding his father once occupied.